spoorwegoperator

A spoorwegoperator is an organization that provides rail transport services by operating trains on the public rail network. The operator uses track that is typically managed by an infrastructure manager, and, where required, owns or leases rolling stock and employs train crews. The operator is responsible for planning services, running timetables, selling tickets, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance on its trains and staff.

In the European Union, the term roughly corresponds to a railway undertaking under the rail liberalization framework. To operate, a railway undertaking must obtain an operating licence, a safety certificate, and, where applicable, other authorizations. Operators must implement safety management systems and meet technical and financial criteria. They may run passenger services, freight services, or both, and may participate in open-access markets or be contracted to provide services under public service obligations.

Relation to other actors: the spoorwegoperator interacts with the infrastructure manager, the entity that owns and maintains tracks and stations, for access, capacity allocation, and maintenance coordination. In many systems, a single company both operates trains and maintains some assets; in others, these roles are split. The term is commonly used in Dutch-language contexts and is typically distinguished from the infrastructure manager (spoorwegbeheerder) or other asset-owning entities.

Types and scope: operators can specialize in passenger services, freight services, or both. They may operate on national networks, regional routes, or international corridors, and their activities are subject to national and European regulatory regimes governing safety, competition, and access to the rail system.